Choosing the right camper van toilet options can make a big difference in your comfort and freedom on the road. Whether you’re building out a van from scratch or upgrading your setup, this guide breaks down the best toilet and bathroom solutions for vanlifers in 2025.
Campervan Toilet Pros
Convenience
Having a toilet in a campervan means no midnight trips outdoors in Colorado’s unpredictable weather, no more searching for public restrooms at trailheads or national parks, and easy access during remote mountain camping. The solution is especially handy for families, solo travelers, and winter vanlifers.
Comfort
Onboard toilets offer a much more comfortable experience than squatting outside, especially at high altitudes or cold nights. Modern toilet options (composting, cassette, or dry flush) provide padded seats and hygienic designs for maximum comfort.
Privacy
A built-in campervan toilet gives privacy, vital when camping with others or parking in busy locations near Breckenridge, Boulder, or Denver. It’s also a must for stealth camping in urban Colorado areas.
Cleanliness
Using a personal toilet avoids potentially dirty or overcrowded public bathrooms often found at popular outdoor Colorado spots. This helps maintain higher hygiene standards inside the van.
Eco-friendly
Composting toilets and proper waste management minimize environmental impact on Colorado’s natural sites (like Rocky Mountain National Park). Following Leave No Trace helps preserve campsites by reducing human waste outdoors.
Campervan Toilet Cons
Needs Emptying
All toilets require the waste container or cassette to be emptied regularly—often every few days for individuals, and more often for families or extended trips. This means scheduling stops at Colorado RV dump stations or bathrooms. Some types (particularly cassette and bucket toilets) make disposal less convenient during off-grid camping.
Smell
Odor control can be a challenge if toilets are not serviced correctly. While composting and dry-flush units are designed to minimize smell, portable chemical toilets need additives and thorough cleaning. Occasional odors in small van spaces are unavoidable, especially during summer in Colorado.
Uses Space
Toilets take up valuable floor space in a van, and must be built into the layout or stored securely. Higher-end units (composting, dry flush) are bulkier, while budget options (bucket, wag bag) are compact but less comfortable. Planning for a toilet often means sacrificing storage for gear or other amenities.
Colorado Takeaways
For Colorado vanlifers, having an integrated campervan toilet offers unmatched autonomy, comfort, and environmental responsibility. Top brands (like The Vansmith) adapt solutions for Colorado’s climate and travel culture—balancing compact layouts, hygiene, and eco-friendly practices, while recognizing the chores and design trade-offs involved.
Do You Really Need a Toilet in Your Camper Van?
For many, the answer is yes. Having a toilet onboard means more freedom to roam, no more late-night dashes to the nearest gas station or campground. But others prefer to travel light and keep things simple. So before you commit to an install, ask yourself:
- Are you camping in remote areas?
- Do you plan to travel full-time?
- Are you converting a van for multiple passengers?
At The Vansmith, we tailor our builds to your needs, whether that includes a hidden toilet drawer or a full bathroom suite.
What If You Don’t Have a Toilet in Your Van?
It’s entirely possible to enjoy van life without one. You can:
- Plan routes around campgrounds, trailheads, and public rest stops
- Use nature (with proper Leave No Trace practices)
- Carry a basic emergency solution, like a wag bag or portable toilet
If your van doesn’t have a toilet, consider pairing your rig with a pop-up privacy tent and a portable toilet for campervans.
The Most Common Camper Van Toilet Options
| Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cassette Toilets | Compact, easy to use. Waste goes into a removable holding tank that can be dumped at RV stations or toilets. | Easy to install Familiar flush-style design Affordable |
Needs frequent emptying Chemicals required Can get smelly if not cleaned |
| Composting Toilets | Eco-friendly option. Separates solids & liquids, using natural materials (like coconut coir) to break down waste. | No chemicals Odorless when maintained Good for off-grid |
Higher upfront cost Takes more space Must manage solids & liquids |
| Portable Toilets (Porta Pottis) | Self-contained units, easy to move or store when not in use. Popular for weekend trips. | Affordable Simple setup Compact & portable |
Frequent dumping Chemical smells Less sturdy |
| Dry Flush Toilets | Battery-powered units wrap waste in a self-sealing bag, like a Diaper Genie for adults. | No mess or smell Great for temporary setups |
Cost of refill cartridges Battery-dependent Not ideal for full-time travel |
Other Options
For minimalists or DIY enthusiasts:
- Bucket toilets
- Wag bags
- Folding commodes
They’re ultra-portable, but comfort and odor control are limited.
DIY Option: Build Your Own Camper Van Composting Toilet
Want to go off-grid and stay sustainable? Build your own composting setup using:
- A 5-gallon bucket
- Urine diverter
- Sealed solids bin
- Coconut coir or peat moss
This DIY solution is budget-friendly and aligns with our sustainability in every van principle, explore responsibly with less waste.
Camper Van Toilet Accessories
Whether you opt for a full van conversion toilet or a simple bucket, a few add-ons can make life easier:
- Privacy tents
- Ventilation fans
- Biodegradable toilet paper
- Natural deodorizers
- Cleaning tablets
- LED motion-sensor lights
At The Vansmith, we build van conversions with bathroom layouts tailored to your needs, so whatever option you choose, we can help it fit seamlessly into your design.
Tips for Good Hygiene When Living in a Camper Van
Cleanliness matters more in small spaces. Here’s how to stay fresh:
- Empty your toilet frequently
- Use hand sanitizer or install a small sink
- Keep your toilet area ventilated
- Wipe surfaces with natural disinfectants
- Use a sealed container for toilet paper waste if composting
Consider pairing your toilet with a compact indoor or outdoor shower setup. Curious about that? Explore our guide to Van Conversions With Shower.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right toilet is about more than convenience, it’s about freedom, comfort, and making your van truly feel like home. Whether you're a weekend explorer or a full-time nomad, The Vansmith is here to help you customize every inch of your van, including the bathroom.
We believe in innovative designs that bring comfort to your journey and offer a range of layouts, from simple pull-out composting toilets to full wet baths with tile detailing. It’s your van. Let’s build it your way.
FAQs
What is the best portable toilet for a camper van?
The Thetford Porta Potti is a solid, affordable choice. For more comfort and less smell, consider the Trelino Evo or a small composting unit like the Cuddy.
Can you put a bathroom in a conversion van?
Absolutely. We’ve built many van conversions with bathroom layouts, from minimalist wet baths to luxurious spa-style setups. Check out our in-stock vans or explore how you can Customize Your Van.
